Why Is GM Threatening To Void Corvette ZR1 Warranties?

General Motors is flexing its muscle to curb vehicle flipping with strict resale rules for the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Buyers of the 1,064-horsepower Corvette will be required to sign a retention agreement promising not to sell their vehicle within the first year of ownership—similar to the one previously enforced on the C8 Z06 and E-Ray.

Chevrolet's hardline policy for the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is in response to the early resales that have plagued high-demand performance cars in recent years. According to a copy of the letter published by Corvette dealer Rick Conti, the one-year no-flip clause is aimed at curbing speculation in the secondary market.

While owners are legally allowed to sell their cars at any time, doing so before the 12-month mark will void the factory warranty—including bumper-to-bumper, sheet metal, and powertrain coverage. Violators will also be barred from ordering other in-demand Chevrolet vehicles in the future—including Corvette models like the upcoming one with the ZR1's engine and E-Ray's electric axle that's going to have a funny name.

This is obviously more of a punishment for the buyer. If you're going to pay inflated prices, GM would much rather you do it in one of their dealerships. Of course, if you find someone wealthy enough, they may not care about not having a factory warranty.

A Chevrolet spokesperson confirmed the policy is real, having first been introduced with the 2023 Corvette Z06. That model, along with the E-Ray, carries a similar retention clause of six months. Look for the first ZR1s to start showing up in owner's hands shortly—including those equipped with the high wing ZTK pack that were previously delayed.

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